Proceedings 2014/046

Proceedings of the National Peer-Review on Euthanasia Techniques for Small and Large Cetaceans; June 23 and June 26, 2014

Chairperson and editor : Christine Abraham

Summary

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for the protection, conservation and management of marine mammals. There are occasions when the euthanasia of a small or large cetacean is the only option that DFO can take in dealing with severely injured or sick animals that have no chance of survival. In cases where it is determined that nothing else can be done for such an animal, DFO needs to have a consistent approach and statement on that approach that is backed by Science. The Department currently has no national guidelines concerning the euthanasia of cetaceans. There is therefore a need for advice with regard to when and how such situations should be handled.

Without advice to build guidelines on proper methods of euthanasia for different species, there is a risk that the method chosen to euthanize an animal will exacerbate the pain and suffering sustained by individual animals.

The development of guidelines on euthanasia, based on science advice, will also ensure that responders are prepared to collect biological data that can be used to further our understanding of the species involved and the threats to those species. This will fulfill DFO’s goal to move towards an ecosystem approach to resource management

The main objective of this review is to develop guidelines related to the decision making process and actions to be taken with regard to cetacean euthanasia; specifically, to identify the circumstances under which euthanasia is appropriate; and to identify the options and related methodology used to undertake species-specific euthanasia. This advice will also be used to develop an exemption under the Species at Risk Act for those circumstances when euthanasia of a SARA species is necessary.

The meeting was held via two teleconferences on June 23 and 26, 2014. Participants included DFO Science, Ecosystems and Fisheries Management, and external experts from the University of Prince Edward Island, University of Saskatchewan, Vancouver Aquarium, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.  A Research Document, Science Advisory Report and these Proceedings resulted from the meetings. 

Complete document (PDF, 182 KB)

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